See the DrugPatentWatch profile for seroquel
The pill imprint "E56" with a dosage of 300 mg indicates Seroquel, a medication manufactured by AstraZeneca [1]. Seroquel is a brand name for quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder [2].
Who Makes Seroquel (Quetiapine)?
AstraZeneca is the originator and primary manufacturer of brand-name Seroquel [1]. However, generic versions of quetiapine are available from multiple pharmaceutical companies following patent expirations [3].
What Other Imprints Are Associated with Seroquel?
Seroquel and its generic forms come in various strengths and corresponding imprints. For instance, other common quetiapine imprints include "S2" for 25 mg, "S3" for 50 mg, "S4" for 100 mg, "S5" for 200 mg, and "S7" for 400 mg tablets [4]. The specific imprint "E56" is associated with the 300 mg dosage of quetiapine [1].
When Did Seroquel's Patents Expire?
The patent protection for Seroquel has largely expired, allowing for the introduction of generic versions. Key patents for the immediate-release formulation expired around 2007, and extended-release formulations followed [5]. Information on specific patent expiry dates for different formulations and regions can be found through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [5].
Can Generic Seroquel Be Prescribed?
Yes, generic quetiapine is widely available and can be prescribed by healthcare providers as an alternative to brand-name Seroquel [3]. This is common practice once brand-name drug patents have expired, often leading to lower medication costs [5].